Reds vs. Marlins Game 4: Preview/Predictions

There is no Corky, but Corky. Late breaking news out of GABP is that Ryan Hanigan has been placed on the 15 day DL due to his nagging thumb injury. Not only does this mean that Devin Mesoraco will likely see significant playing time over the next two weeks, but also it means the reemergence of everyone's favorite mustachioed catcher, Corky Miller, for the Reds. We hope that Hanigan has a quick return and recovery. However, in the meantime, we'll celebrate the return of the meanest man on the planet.

The Reds may very well need this mean-mother shut-your-mouth to take the final game of this four game set with the Marlins. In doing so, the Reds will put Homer Bailey on the mound after Homer received the hardest-luck no-decision of the 2013 season on Tuesday. If Homer can muster up a performance similar to his one against the Phillies, it could be a very short afternoon for the Miami Marlins featuring Bill Hall All-Star Justin Ruggiano.

The Marlins will counter with Alex Sanabia who is coming off a victory against the Nationals by allowing two runs in six innings. Sanabia has two quality starts to his credit and is 2-0 despite a thoroughly anemic Marlins lineup this season. Sanabia has performed well enough to keep the Marlins in tight games, so with Cozart nursing some bruised fingers and Hanigan on the DL, the Reds bats will need to step up and deliver enough runs to mitigate the apparently effective Sanabia.

These are the types of series the Reds need to win handily if they're going to continue to struggle against their in-division rivals. Luckily, Jeffrey Loria's despicable actions has placed that goal within the Reds' reach. If the Reds can win 75% of their games against miserable teams and 50% against great teams, they'll be on their way to playing meaningful October games.

The Reds' 9-3 home record has given its fans something to cheer woo about at Great American Ball Park, much to the chagrin of #Funsuckers. That's cool though, because if the only thing Reds fans can complain about is other Reds fans, it means Walt and the gang is doing something right.

Go Reds, they're my favorite team! WOOOOOOOOOO!

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